We took a highway bus from Nagoya to Toyama.
After checking out the castle and eating dinner, our plan to stay at a manga or internet cafe was foiled! We found out after hours of walking.....there are none! Expect to stay at a hotel. The hotel wasn't very expensive and the staff took pity on us because we didn't book a room in advance.
Off to Mount Tateyama!
The chips are going to explode!
People draw pictures in the snow wall...some were really creative.
OUR DRAWINGS
A mountain bird commonly found in the area.
THE LARGEST DAM IN JAPAN - KUROBE DAM
MATSUMOTO
We finally made it to Matsumoto which was a short train ride away and stayed at a great ryokan.
A full moon
Our Awesome hostel Ryokan Seifu-so! They were very kind and generous (and they spoke English!!)
We rented a car from Toyota rent-a-car which was painlessly easy. And drove to the wasabi farm.
SHINSHU Azumino
The Daio Wasabi Farm
"The Daio Wasabi Farm produces 150 tons of wasabi a year. It is known that wasabi strictly requires pure water for growing. The water in Azumino, which comes from the North Alps, makes it possible to grow wasabi on such a large scale at the Daio Wasabi Farm. Although the fields are covered with black nets to protect the wasabi from the strong sunshine from April to late September, you can enjoy nature just by strolling around the fields. Azumino is also known as the location for the movie "Dreams" directed by Kurosawa Akira (1910-1998). The scene with a watermill is especially famous. Local specialties using wasabi such as wasabi ice cream, wasabi croquettes, and wasabi chocolate and so on are sold. Be sure to try one of these." (Shinshu (att.JAPAN Issue 46). July 25 2012. http://www.att-japan.net/en/city/C0400680).
3000 yen for one wasabi!! (x.x)
Wasabi Ice cream
*OM NOM NOM*
I see a face!
Wasabi Beer
Wasabi Juice
SHIRAHONE ONSEN (HOT SPRING)
Shirahone onsen has a lot of sulphur in the water. So you smell like eggs afterwards. The water looks white and milky. It was my first time driving in the mountains and boy was it a long drive!! The roads were very narrow and were constantly winding. The views were spectacular and I would love to go back again.
BACK TO MATSUMOTO!
This really nice lady left her post at the local Lawson's (convenience store) and walked us to a certain restaurant that has a local specialty.
Grilled Char, Stewed Locust in Sweetened Soy Sauce, and Baby bees!
